Systems, methods, and computer program products for multiple aspect ratio automated simulcast production

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application “Automated Real-Time Execution of Live Inserts of Repurposed Stored Content Distribution,” Ser. No. 60/378,657, filed May 9, 2002, and “Multiple Aspect Ratio Automated Simulcast Production,” Ser. No. 60/378,672, filed May 9, 2002, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The following patents and patent applications of common assignee are related to the present application, and are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:

“Real Time Video Production System and Method,” Ser. No. 09/215,161, filed Dec. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, issued Sep. 17, 2002.

“System and Method for Real Time Video Production and Multicasting,” Ser. No. 09/634,735, filed Aug. 8, 2000, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0010003.

“Method, System and Computer Program Product for Full News Integration and Automation in a Real Time Video Production Environment,” Ser. No. 09/822,855, filed Apr. 2, 2001, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0130001.

“Method, System and Computer Program Product for Producing and Distributing Enhanced Media Downstreams,” Ser. No. 09/836,239, filed Apr. 18, 2001, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0200000.

“Advertisement Management Method, System, and Computer Program Product,” Ser. No. 10/247,783, filed Sep. 20, 2002, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0450001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to production of live and as-live shows, and more particularly relates to production of live and as-live shows using live segments and re-purposed archived materials.

2. Related Art

The demand for 24-hour news programming is high, and growing steadily. Conventional systems and methods of producing news shows are labor extensive and, thus, expensive. What is needed are improved automated systems and methods for providing news programming that is less labor intensive and less expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9).

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive.

The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The invention shall be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an example production system useful for simultaneously generating outputs in native 4:3 format and native 16:9 format.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are example flowcharts depicting the operation of the invention when producing shows using live content and re-purposed archived materials.

FIG. 4 is an example production system for producing shows using live content and re-purposed archived materials.

FIG. 5 is an example user interface for the production system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a media manager according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Multiple Aspect Ratio Automated Simulcast Production

The invention is directed to a method, system, and computer program product for simulcasting digital video through outputs having differing format requirements. As described in greater detail below, in an embodiment, the present invention allows broadcasters to automate and produce a simulcast of dual 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio “live” or “as-live” programming. The present invention allows automatic adjustments to be made to character generators, still stores, transition effects, etc., such that the production can be synchronized and transmitted over parallel mediums with non-substantial delay.

Overview

The market for digital television continues to evolve as broadcasters transition from transmitting an analog NTSC signal to digital signals as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The mass majority of the installed television sets in the United States today have a 4:3 aspect ratio. New digital sets will come with the wider 16:9 aspect ratio similar to the format used in motion pictures

Market analysts expect the installed base of digital television sets to be at 4.2 million by the end of 2002. In addition, digital settop boxes that receive the broadcast digital signal either over-the-air or through cable for conversion onto existing analog television sets are expected to have an installed base of 39.5 million. Television households by the end of 2002 are forecasted to be at 104.5 million. This shows a market penetration of 4% for digital television sets (16:9) and 38% for digital settop boxes (4:3). By the year 2005, the market penetration numbers will change for digital television sets from 4% to 17% while digital settop boxes change from 38% to 77%. This means that consumers will go through a period whereby many will be looking for a 16:9 format signal from broadcasters versus the standard 4:3 format currently used with analog television sets.

The broadcaster will be challenged to deliver several different types of programming solutions as follows:

4:3 original (“native”) output “letter boxed” to fit a 16:9 digital television set. The letter box could be “black” or contain text, data or graphic content.

16:9 original (“native”) output sent out “as is” for display on 16:9 digital television sets.

16:9 original (“native”) output “cropped” to fit into a 4:3 analog television set with digital settop box converter.

In several of the cases above, compromises exist in order to serve the consumer during the market transition from a 4:3 to a 16:9 aspect ratio format. For example, some televisions include circuitry to convert from one format to another. However, such conversions introduce artifacts and negative impact resolution and/or the viewing experience. It is preferable that televisions receive and use signals in their original, or native, formats.

Therefore, a need exists to automate the process of producing simultaneous 4:3 and 16:9 formats from a single user interface to avoid duplicating both equipment and personnel resources. The simultaneous native output of both formats allow the broadcaster to design a “look and feel” that better enables them to take advantage of both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios without negatively impacting one over the other.

The invention is applicable to formats other than 4:3 and 16:9, and is also applicable to the processing of greater than two formats, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant arts based on the teachings contained herein.

Detailed Description

The invention allows broadcasters to automate and produce the simulcast of dual 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio “live” and “as-live” programming. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a production system 102 according to an embodiment of the invention. The production system 102 includes a user interface 106, to enable interaction with users 104. Through the user interface 106, users 104 can design and produce shows, such as but not limited to live and as-live shows.

The production system 102 includes a control system 108, which controls the production system 102 (and components thereof) in the manner described herein. The control system 108 is implemented using a computer operating according to software. Such software, when stored on a computer readable medium (such as a CD, tape, hard drive, signals traveling over a wired or wireless medium, etc.), is referred to as computer program product. The invention is directed to such computer program products, as well as methods embodied in such computer program products, and systems incorporating such computer program products. Alternatively, the control system 108 is implemented using predominately hardware (such as hardware state machines or application specific processors).

The production system 102 includes a number of production paths 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1, such production paths 110 include a 4:3 production path 110A and a 16:9 production path 110B. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. The invention is applicable to other formats. Also, the invention can accommodate more than two production paths.

The production system 102 also includes a number of sources 114, which may be cameras, tape machines, still stores, etc. The sources 114 provide material for the show to the production paths 110, either directly or via the control system 108.

In operation, the control system 108 controls the 4:3 production path 110A to generate a show in a native 4:3 format, to thereby generate a native 4:3 output 112A. Also, the control system 108 controls the 16:9 production path 110B to generate a show in a native 16:9 format, to thereby generate a native 16:9 output 112B. In an embodiment, the control system 108 simultaneously controls the 4:3 production path 110A and the 16:9 production path 110B such that the native 4:3 output 112A and the native 16:9 output 112B are synchronized with each other. In practice, the outputs 112A, 112B may not be precisely synchronized with each other, but are sufficiently synchronized so that any offset from each other is not easily discernable by viewers (or are at least are not sufficiently distracting to viewers).

In an embodiment, the production system 102 is similar to that described in “Real Time Video Production System and Method,” Ser. No. 09/215,161, filed Dec. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, issued Sep. 17, 2002, referenced above (although the invention can be implemented using any production system having the functionality described herein). However, the production system 102 is modified to include multiple production paths 110, and the control system 108 is modified to control the multiple production paths 110. Further information regarding the production system 102 is provided below.

Transition Macros for Controlling Multiple Production Paths

The invention uses a Transition Macro to achieve the functionality described herein. A transition macro is a set of video production commands, where each video production command is transmitted from a processing unit to a video production device. A user designs a production by combining one or more transition macros in a script. Execution of the transition macros cause the production system 102 to produce the show in accordance with the script.

Transition macros are described in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, “Real Time Video Production System and Method,” referenced above.

The '612 patent describes transition macros as controlling elements in a single production path. In the present invention, transition macros control elements in multiple production paths 110. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, a given transition macro controls elements in both the 4:3 production path 110A and the 16:9 production path 110B (although some transition macros may still be limited to a subset of the production paths 110). This feature of the invention is further described below.

Material for Multiple Formats

In an embodiment, the production system 102 includes material in the native formats for each of the system 102's production paths 110. For example, for a given still, the production system 102 includes a 4:3 version of the still, and a 16:9 version of the still. The production paths 110A, 110B may each include a dedicated still store, or may share a still store. Another example relates to cameras. In an embodiment, the 4:3 production path 110A includes 4:3 format cameras, and the 16:9 production path 110B includes 16:9 format cameras. Such duplicity is generally (but not always) the case for the production paths 110, to enable generation of the outputs 112 in the multiple native formats.

For example, consider the case of mixed effect (ME) banks. In embodiments of the invention, the production system 102 includes ME banks dedicated for the 4:3 production path 110A, and other ME banks dedicated for the 16:9 production path 110B.

A number of methods for acquiring materials for the production (in the different formats) are used, depending on a number of factors such as cost, availability, material types, as well as other implementation dependent factors. For example, in an embodiment, field acquisitions will originally be in 16:9 format, since that format will capture more data (when compared to 4:3). The 16:9 raw footage will then be used to create 4:3 format material (via appropriate cropping, for example). The result will be two separate files, one in 16:9 format, and one in 4:3 format. Since both files were created prior to production, it is possible to optimize both for their respective uses (i.e., one for producing a 4:3 output, and one for producing a 16:9 output). In another embodiment, field acquisitions are obtained in multiple original formats.

Such operation of the invention is in contrast to many conventional post-production conversion techniques, which try to convert a 16:9 signal to a 4:3 signal (or vice versa). Since such cropping is performed post-production, the cropping is not specifically tailored to the characteristics and parameters of the target format.

Processing Applicable Format

As noted above, the production paths 110 include components that are dedicated to their operation. In practice, each production path 110 may include a dedicated component, or they may share a single component. For example, in some embodiments, the production paths 110 may each include character generator (CG) and still store components, or they may share the same character generator (CG) and still store components.

In an embodiment, all files are identified as being in either 4:3 format or 16:9 format (for example, each file may include meta data that denotes the applicable format). When the 4:3 production path 110A accesses material, it ensures that it accesses files tagged as being in the 4:3 format. Similarly, when the 16:9 production path 110B accesses material, it ensures that it accesses files tagged as being in the 16:9 format. In embodiments, such control is achieved through operation of the control system 108, and/or through appropriate coding of transition macros.

Keyer Functionality

In an embodiment, the control system 108 includes a keyer for the 4:3 production path 110A, and a second keyer for the 16:9 production path 110B.

As will be appreciated, the output signals 112 comprise a composite of signals from multiple sources. For example, the output signals 112 may comprise a first video signal having a hole, or “key,” cut therein. A second video signal is then inserted inside the key. The output signals 112 are thus a composite of the first video signal and the second video signal.

In the invention, the production system 102 includes video switchers to implement keying. The video switchers switch between multiple video sources (i.e., the first and second video signals from the above example). The switching operation of the video switchers is controlled by the control system 108, which is operating according to commands/instructions contained in transition macros.

A given transition macro includes commands for both the 4:3 format and the 16:9 format. For example, assume the user 104 inserts into a script the icon for a particular transition macro relating to keying. In an embodiment, the user 104 need pay no concern to whether the icon relates to the 4:3 format or the 16:9 format. Instead, the icon is associated with a transition macro that includes video commands to perform the keying function for both the 4:3 format and the 16:9 format, such that the outputs 112 are synchronized. In other words, the invention provides a user interface 106 that shields the user 104 from the complexities of the generation of dual outputs 112A, 112B in dual formats.

Adjustment of Effects

The control system 108 independently adjusts effects (such as DVE transitions like cuts, fades, wipes, etc.) for the desired look in a particular format (i.e., 4:3 or 16:9). This is achieved through transition macros. Specifically, a particular “cut” transition macro includes commands to effect the cut effect for the 4:3 format, and includes other commands to effect the cut effect for the 16:9 format. Such commands access either 4:3 format source materials, or 16:9 source materials, depending on whether the commands are for the 4:3 format or the 16:9 format. Such commands also have appropriate duration settings so the native 4:3 output 112A is synchronized with the native 16:9 output 112B.

Source Management

The invention achieves source management for to simultaneously generate the 4:3 output 112A and the 16:9 output 112B. The invention synchronizes and manages dual output control of video server ports for proper ingestion and processing in the system. The invention performs automated format detection to properly address source material that does not meet one or the other format. Therefore, the invention utilizes a number of processes to “letterbox” a 4:3 format or “crop” a 16:9 format for proper display.

In other words, the control system 108 must ensure that source materials arc served to the 4:3 production path 110A and the 16:9 production path 110B such that the 4:3 output 112A is synchronized with the 16:9 output 112B. In one embodiment, the control system 108 issues control signals to simultaneously activate servers in the two production paths 110A, 110B. In this embodiment, the production paths 110A, 110B each have dedicated servers. In another embodiment, the production paths 110A, 110B share servers. In this embodiment, the control system 108 communicates with a shared server(s) to server materials to the production paths 110A, 110B in a synchronous manner.

Exact synchronization between the outputs 112 is not necessary. The goal of the invention is to align the outputs 112 with one another so differences are not easily discernable to the human eye.

The invention also performs automated format detection to properly address source material that does not meet one or the other format. For example, suppose in a show a particular source was available only in 4:3 format. In order to use this source in both the 4:3 production path 110A and the 16:9 production path 110B, the source would have to be converted to the 16:9 format. Accordingly, the invention automatically determines whether a given source is only available in certain formats (or, equivalently, whether a given source is not available in any formats of interest). The invention then automatically converts the source to the other formats, using any well known technique. Such conversion can be performed either pre-production, or during production.

Addressing Camera Sources

The invention addresses camera sources properly according to the respective formats (4:3 or 16:9).

In some embodiments, both 4:3 cameras and 16:9 cameras are utilized to produce the native 4:3 output 112A and the native 16:9 output 112B.

In other embodiments, only cameras of a single format are used, such as 16:9 cameras. The video output of such cameras are then adjusted (cropped) to form the 4:3 source material. As a result, source materials in both the 16:9 format and the 4:3 format are made available to the production paths 110A, 110B.

Cropping of the 16:9 video material into the 4:3 format takes into consideration the parameters of the 4:3 format, as well as the parameters of the show being produced. Accordingly, compositing the video materials to form the 4:3 output 112A and the 16:9 output 112B is enhanced, thereby increasing the quality of these output signals 112.

For example, consider the case where the script calls for a video signal to appear above and to the right of the anchor's shoulders. By knowing this ahead of time (during pre-production), the 16:9 original video signal can be cropped into the 4:3 format so that all the pertinent information will be conveyed in both the 16:9 output 112B, as well as the 4:3 output 112A.

User Interface

As clear from the description above, the user interface 106 enables users 104 to create scripts that, when executed by the control system 108, simultaneously generates the 4:3 output 112A and the 16:9 output 112B. Such dual format operation of the invention is transparent to the user 104. In other words, the user 104 does not need to explicitly design the script to achieve such dual format broadcasts. Instead, the invention utilizes transition macros that are coded for both formats, as described above.

The invention also supports “hot keys” that are coded for both formats. For example, the invention supports Late Breaking News keys, which when activated by the user 104 inserts into the script commands to accommodate a late breaking news segment. Hot keys are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, referenced above. According to the invention, such hot keys are associated with transition macros having instructions for both the 4:3 format and the 16:9 format.

Automated Real-Time Execution of Live Inserts of Repurposed Stored Content Distribution

A method, system, and computer program product are provided for segmenting and marking digital video productions, such that all or segments of the production can be retrieved for a repurposed distribution over traditional mediums or computer networks, such as the Internet. As described in greater detail below, the present invention includes methodologies for removing or editing keyers, character generators, etc. The present invention enables one to change the order of the repurposed distribution or add segments from another production. The present invention also enables the insertion of advertisements and other information into the repurposed video stream.

Overview

Cable 24 hour news channels have found a niche for consumers looking for real time news information at the local/regional level. The 24-hour news channel model serves the community looking for updated news around the clock without having to wait for specific times as is typical of traditional broadcast local news. Traditional local broadcasters deliver live newscasts daily in the morning (5:00 AM-7:00 AM), afternoon (11:00 AM-1:00 PM), evenings (4:00 PM 6:00 PM) and late evening hours (10:00 PM-12:00 PM). The demand for local 24-hour news channels can be attributed to the different working hours and shifts associated with today's work environments along with the sense of immediacy that has been cultivated by the Internet.

In addition, in the not so distant future, local broadcasters will be able to participate in this market trend through the appropriate use of allocated digital bandwidth. The local broadcaster will be able to divide their digital bandwidth into multiple standard definition television (SDTV) channels that allows them to develop new applications. Local broadcasters in mid to large markets will take advantage of these channel opportunities to provide for new revenue applications such as 24-hour local news, local sports, local shopping and local education programming.

Two methods of deployment exist. One is to provide 24-hour “live” programming around the clock. Second, provide “live” programming when the“facts” change. In other words, a cable or local broadcaster can produce live content in the first ½ hour followed by a “repurposed” ½ hour on the back with live inserts for stories or events that require real time updates such as traffic and weather reports along with breaking news stories of events occurring in real time. Today, this is managed manually since the intelligence does not exist to automate this process. The manual process does not allow for true automated live inserts without many resources to manage the process.

Therefore a need exists to automate this process so that digital SDTV 24-hour programming channels can cost effectively produce content while the market develops. This will require a design that integrates the automated production environment with storage equipment intelligently including the ability to edit stories in real time during the production process while automatically maintaining a database and daily schedule at both the micro (story level) and macro (show level) resolution.

Detailed Description

FIG. 4 is a production system 402 according to an embodiment of the invention. The production system 402 includes a user interface 406 for enabling interaction with users 404. The production system 402 also includes a control system 408 which is similar to the control system 108 described above. The control system 408 controls the production system 402 to achieve the functionality described herein.

The production system 402 includes a number of sources 410, including a story archive 412 and other production devices 414. The story archive 412 is a database having stored therein previously produced stories (although a “story” stored in this database may be any portion of a show). The production devices 414 are any known device for producing a show, such as a video switcher, camera, audio control, still store, tape machine, etc.

The production system 402 further includes one or more switchers 416, which receives sources 410 and is controlled by the control system 408. The switchers 416 generate an output 418, which in an embodiment represents a live or as-live show.

The production system 402 may be implemented using a production system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, referenced above.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart 202 representing the operation of the production system 402 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In step 204, the user 404 interacts with the user interface 406 to generate a script for the show that is to be produced. Such operation is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, referenced above.

In step 206, the production system 402 produces the show according to the script generated in step 204. Such operation is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, referenced above.

In step 208, the production system 402 segments the show (produced in step 206) according to some criteria. In an embodiment, the show is segmented according to content. Specifically, in an embodiment, the show is segmented according to story. Accordingly, in step 208, the production system 402 divides the show into its component stories.

In step 210, these stories are stored in the story archive 412, and indexed (or otherwise marked or tagged) for later retrieval.

In an embodiment, the production system 402 performs step 208 by recording the beginning and end of each story in the show, and/or the duration of each story. This information is stored, for example in the story archive 412, along with the show. Also stored is the story type or category of each story. Subsequently, the production system 402 can uniquely access any story in the show using this information (meta data).

It is noted that a “story” can be any portion of the show.

Further description regarding the segmentation of a show is provided in “Method, System and Computer Program Product for Producing and Distributing Enhanced Media Downstreams,” Ser. No. 09/836,239, filed Apr. 18, 2001, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0200000, referenced above.

In step 212, the production system 402 generates additional programming, such as a new live or as-live show, using a combination of live inserts and archived material from the story archive 412. The live inserts are generated using the production devices 414. The material from the story archive 412 may be modified, if necessary, using the production devices 414. In some cases, the additional programming is comprised of only material from the story archive 412, although such materials may be modified to some extent. The operation of step 212 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, which shall now be considered.

In step 302, the user 404 interacts with the production system 402 via the user interface 406 to create or modify a listing for a Current Show. The Current Show is a new show being designed for production using live inserts and material from the story archive 412. The listing lists the components of the Current Show. For example, FIG. 5 shows a Current Show Listing 506 having 6 components/segments/stories: a traffic report 520A, a weather report 520B, sports spotlight 520C, a live 10:15 AM insert 518B, a bridge collapse story 520E, and an entertainment segment 520F. Note that the sports spotlight 520C and the bridge collapse story 520E are from the story archive 412 (shown in the archived video window 508 of FIG. 5). The 10:15 AM insert 518B is a live insert (see the live segments window 504).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example user interface 502 (provided by the user interface 406 shown in FIG. 4) for enabling the user 404 to create and modify the Current Show Listing 506. The user 404 can drag and drop live segments from the live segment window 504, and/or archived stories from the archived video window 508. Within the current show window 506, the user 404 can use well known computer pointing techniques to arrange and order the components of the Current Show. Other user interfaces could alternatively be used, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612 and/or pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/836,239, referenced above.

In step 304, the production system 404 maps the Current Show Listing 506 to a production system script that comprises transition macros. Scripts and transition macros are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,612, as well as other patents and patent applications referenced above.

In step 306, the production system 404 produces the Current Show according to the Current Show Listing 506 and/or the script (from step 304). Step 306 includes steps 308, 310, and 312, which shall now be described.

In step 308, the production system 404 retrieves and modifies, as necessary, archived materials from the story archive 412, in accordance with the Current Show Listing 506. Such retrieved materials are inserted into the output 418 via the switcher 416.

Step 308 involves automatic “downstream” keyer changes for “as live” replay of the retrieved materials (as necessary). For example, supposed the retrieved materials include a “bug” (for example, a time and temperature overlay on top of the video). In this example, the production system 404 would cause the keyer (one of the production devices 414) to either eliminate the bug, or update the bug with the current time and temperature.

In an embodiment, step 308 is achieved by modifying the retrieved materials, in the manner just described. In an alternative embodiment, this is achieved by not recording the bug in the materials when the materials were originally produced (in step 206). In this embodiment, the bug is inserted into the output 418 in real-time.

In step 310, the production system 404 generates live segments in accordance with the Current Show Listing 506. Such live segments are inserted into the output 418 via the switcher 416.

Note that the user interface 502 includes a Time Over/Under for Current ½ Hour timer 514, which indicates the amount of time that the show is over/under given the stories already aired and the stories that are yet to be aired, and a Time Left for Current ½ Hour timer 516, which indicates the time remaining in the 30 minute show (these counters 514, 516 are based on a 30 minute show). These counters 514, 516 are used by the director 404 to ensure that the show fits into the allotted time (i.e., 30 minutes in the example of FIG. 5). The director 404 can control the length of any live segments to ensure that the show fits within the 30 minute slot. Alternatively, the director 404 can select other archived materials from the story archive 412 based on duration of such materials to ensure the show fits within the allotted slot. Manipulation of the Current Show Listing 506 in this manner is described in greater detail in “Method, System and Computer Program Product for Producing and Distributing Enhanced Media Downstreams,” Ser. No. 09/836,239, filed Apr. 18, 2001, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0200000, referenced above (in the context of an approval application, system, method, and computer program product).

In step 312, the production system 402 inserts advertisements into the output stream 418. In an embodiment, the ads are “searched” to import the light ad with the correct duration, and possibly content. In other words, based on the scheduled “break” length, and/or the content of stories around the break, commercials of corresponding duration will be accessed and inserted into the output stream 418.

As the Current Show is produced, some segments may run longer or shorter than originally expected. The production system 402 keeps track of the overage or underage, and may adjust the duration of commercial breaks to compensate for such overage/underage. If the duration(s) of the commercial breaks change, then the production system 402 selects and inserts into the output stream 418 combination(s) of commercials that fit the duration of the breaks. Other aspects involving the selection of commercials are described in “Advertisement Management Method, System, and Computer Program Product,” Ser. No. 10/247,783, filed Sep. 20, 2002, Attorney Docket No. 1752.0450001, referenced above.

Media Manager

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a media manager 602 and a server 604 according to an embodiment of the invention. The media manager 602 and server 604 are optionally part of the production systems 102, 402 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, for example.

The media manager 602 manages the selection, play out status, play out channel assignment of both video clips and graphic files from the server 604.

The media manager 602/server 604 combination has a number of features:

Media Types: The combination combines the management of a video server, still store, and character generator under one software interface. The media may consist of video and key. The key can be linked with the video for play out.

Integrated server: In an embodiment, the server 604 is an integrated server that is capable of internally keying media, with key signals, and outputting the composite media out a single channel.

Clip & Graphic Selection: The Media Manager 602 interfaces with user interfaces 106, 406 to allow the user 104, 404 to brow a low-resolution image of video clips and graphic files available in the server 604. These clip or graphic Id's can then be assigned to a particular story within the rundown. Non-integrated servers may only be able to export a list of clip or graphic id's available for selection.

Play out Status: The Media Manager 602 updates the status of a clip assigned to a particular story. When a clip is assigned to a particular story within the rundown, the Media Manager 602 tracks the air readiness of that particular clip. If a predefined graphic Id were entered into the rundown that does not exist, Media Manager 602 would notify the rundown that the graphic requested is not air ready.

When the production system 102, 402 monitors a rundown, a list of clips and graphics is generated under each story slug. If a clip or graphic is not air ready, the text is colored red. The status of the clip or graphic is automatically updated, until the rundown is unmonitored. When a list item that is colored red, becomes air ready, the text is changed to black.

Auto Assign Play out Channels: When a particular story is previewed for air, Media Manager 602 automatically assigns the clips and graphics on an available play out channel (video & key) from a pool of channels. There are two parts to the channel assignment. Part one loads the media to the auto-assigned channel. Part two routes the auto-assigned channel to the proper background or key channel. (Channels on-air and requested channels for preview cannot exceed the total number of channels for the system.)

The media manager 602 and server 604 shall now be described in greater detail.

As noted above, in an embodiment, the server 604 is an integrated server. The media manager 602 communicates and interacts with the server 604 in the server 604's native language, such that the media manager 602 is capable of accessing additional functionality of the server 604.

The media manager 602 manages the play-out of server clips and still devices. The media manager 602 controls what channels (ports) 606 of the server 604 these play out, and will ascertain if the clip exists or docs not exist. When a particular clip on the script comes up to be output, the media manager 606 automatically assigns the channel that it will be played out on, from the pool of channels that exist. This process is called auto-channeling.

For example, suppose the production system 102, 402 is processing a “load media” command from a transition macro. According to the invention, the media manager 602 automatically finds the next unused port 606 of the server 604, and uses that port 606 to output the media from the server 604. In other words, the port 606 of the server 604 need not be hard-coded into the “load media” command.

There are various benefits of auto-channeling. First, if the server port must be hard-coded into transition macros, then the library of transition macros becomes very large (for example, there must be a transition macro for each function/port combination). With auto-channeling, only a single transition macro for a given function is needed, since the channel 606 of the server 604 that is going to be used is automatically determined by the media manager 602 when the command is executed. Second, auto-channeling greatly simplifies user operation, since the user need not be concerned with specifying the server port to use. Instead, the user can focus on selecting and ordering the transition macros in order to produce the desired show.

It is noted that the media manager 602 can operate with non-integrated, commercially available servers. In this case, it is necessary to produce a configuration file or otherwise inform the media manager 602 of the number and configuration of the server's ports/channels.

Conclusion

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A production system comprising: a control system configured to produce a content segment both in a first aspect ratio format and in a second aspect ratio format different from the first aspect ratio format; wherein the production system is configured to receive content in the first aspect ratio format, and automatically convert the received content in the first aspect ratio format to conform to the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment in the second aspect ratio format.
 23. The production system of claim 22, wherein the production system is configured to automatically convert the received content in the first aspect ratio format to conform to the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment by automatically cropping the received content in the first aspect ratio to conform to the second aspect ratio format.
 24. The production system of claim 22, further comprising a first production channel and a second production channel different from the first production channel, and wherein the control system is configured to cause the first production channel to generate the content segment in the first aspect ratio format, and cause the second production channel to generate the content segment in the second aspect ratio format.
 25. The production system of claim 24, wherein the control system is configured to simulcast the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 26. The production system of claim 24, wherein the control system is configured to synchronously produce the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 27. The production system of claim 24, wherein the control system is configured to substantially align outputs of the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 28. The production system of claim 22, wherein the first aspect ratio format comprises a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the second aspect ratio format comprises a 16:9 aspect ratio.
 29. The production system of claim 22, wherein the control system is configured to automatically broadcast the content segment in both the first and the second aspect ratio formats.
 30. The production system of claim 22, wherein the control system is configured to automatically simulcast the content segment in both the first and the second aspect ratio formats.
 31. The production system of claim 22, wherein the control system is configured to operate based on a plurality of transition macros.
 32. The production system of claim 31, wherein the plurality of transition macros comprises a first set of instructions for causing a first production path to perform a first function based on the first aspect ratio format, and a second set of instructions for causing a second production path to perform a second function based on the second aspect ratio format, the first production path being different from the second production path.
 33. The production system of claim 22, wherein the control system is configured to independently adjust an effect of the content segment based on a first desired effect associated with the first aspect ratio format and based on a second desired effect associated with the second aspect ratio format, the second desired effect being different from the first desired effect.
 34. The production system of claim 33, wherein the first desired effect comprises a first transition cut effect for a 4:3 aspect ratio format, and the second desired effect comprises a second transition cut effect for a 16:9 aspect ratio format.
 35. The production system of claim 22, further comprising a first production channel and a second production channel different from the first production path, and wherein the control system is configured to independently adjust the production of the content segment by applying transition cuts based on the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment through the second production channel.
 36. The production system of claim 22, wherein the production system is configured to present a user interface configured to receive an insertion of a transition macro into a script from a user and to perform a function associated with the transition macro in generating the content segment in both the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio.
 37. A production system comprising: a control system configured to produce a content segment both in a first aspect ratio format and in a second aspect ratio format different from the first aspect ratio format; wherein the production system is configured to receive content in the first aspect ratio format, and automatically convert the received content in the first aspect ratio format to conform to the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment in the second aspect ratio format; and wherein the control system is configured to independently adjust production of the content segment by applying a transition based on the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment.
 38. The production system of claim 37, wherein the production system is configured to automatically convert the received content in the first aspect ratio format to conform to the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment by automatically cropping the received content in the first aspect ratio to conform to the second aspect ratio format.
 39. The production system of claim 37, further comprising a first production channel and a second production channel different from the first production path.
 40. The production system of claim 39, wherein the control system is configured to cause the first production channel to generate the content segment in the first aspect ratio format, and cause the second production channel to generate the content segment in the second aspect ratio format.
 41. The production system of claim 39, wherein the control system is configured to simulcast the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 42. The production system of claim 39, wherein the control system is configured to synchronously produce the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 43. The production system of claim 39, wherein the control system is configured to substantially align outputs of the content segment in the first and the second aspect ratio formats through the first and the second production channels.
 44. The production system of claim 37, wherein the control system is configured to independently adjust an effect of the content segment based on a first desired effect associated with the first aspect ratio format and based on a second desired effect associated with the second aspect ratio format, the second desired effect being different from the first desired effect.
 45. The production system of claim 44, wherein the first desired effect comprises a first transition cut effect for a 4:3 aspect ratio format, and the second desired effect comprises a second transition cut effect for a 16:9 aspect ratio format.
 46. The production system of claim 37, wherein the first aspect ratio format comprises a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the second aspect ratio format comprises a 16:9 aspect ratio.
 47. The production system of claim 37, wherein the control system is configured to automatically broadcast the content segment in both the first and the second aspect ratio formats.
 48. The production system of claim 37, wherein the control system is configured to automatically simulcast the content segment in both the first and the second aspect ratio formats.
 49. The production system of claim 37, further comprising a first production channel and a second production channel different from the first production path, and wherein the control system is configured to independently adjust production of the content segment by applying a transition based on the second aspect ratio format before production of the content segment through the second production channel.
 50. The production system of claim 37, wherein the transition comprises a cut, a fade, or a wipe based on the second aspect ratio format.
 51. The production system of claim 37, wherein the production system is configured to present a user interface configured to receive an insertion of a transition macro into a script from a user and to perform a function associated with the transition macro in generating the content segment in both the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio. 